CMC sponsors thanked at facilities launch

The six latest additions to the College of Mass Communication’s facilities were inaugurated today at a program kicking off Mass Communication Week at the CMC auditorium.

The college’s various benefactors behind the facilities were also recognized in light of the college’s 45th anniversary.

These facilities include the new DZUP transmitter, the Samaskom Suite (formerly A107-A), the Menchu Esteban computer laboratory, the Philippine Star Seminar Rooms, the DZUP Radio Circle Booth, and the Media Center Film Building.

“Through our college’s partners, we are able to construct spaces into platforms, and we are ever remindful of the college’s role in the university and society as a whole,” said Prof. Alfonso Deza, chairperson of the Communication Research department who hosted the program with Broadcast Communication Prof. Jane Vinculado.

Carmencita “Menchu” Esteban, after whom the new Communication Research computer laboratory will be named, said that she did not hesitate when requested by former Dean Elena Pernia to donate to the college.

“I immediately agreed,” she said. “Mass media is all about being able to communicate what is right and being able to persuade others—marketing and opinion research—and this is really close to my heart.”

Other sponsors included Senators Edgardo Angara, a former president of the University of the Philippines, and Loren Legarda, who is now running for vice-president.

Legarda, through Commission on Climate Change Executive Director Victoria Evangelista, said in a statement that she wished to “bridge the disconnect between media source and its target audience” through her advocacies for the college.

Also present were Jay Sarmiento, Corporate Communications Manager for the Philippine Star, CMC Dean Rolando Tolentino, UP President Emerlinda Roman, and UP Diliman Chancellor Sergio Cao.

The college is now celebrating its 45th year as a degree-granting unit.

The Institute of Mass Communication was first established in 1965 under the College of Arts and Sciences, with Dr. Gloria Feliciano as its first dean.

It later transferred to its current home in Plaridel Hall in 1969.

After more than two decades, the Institute was then elevated to college status in 1988 under the tenure of dean Georgina Encanto.